14 neighbours have shared what matters to them — in their own words.
“The rotten grass and leaves on the river bank are the best available fertilizer.”
“बैंक नदी न में सड़े गले घास पत्ते सबसे मस्त उपलब्ध बन खाद है”
translated from Hindi
Nearby, key concerns highlight environmental impacts, specifically damage to forest ecosystems affecting animals, birds, and plants. There's also an observed shift from traditional, organic farming methods, which some believe impacts health, and a plea for vital water infrastructure like a dam to support local greenery 💧. Positively, citizens deeply appreciate the natural beauty and fresh air from forests. There's a clear understanding of sustainable practices, such as utilizing decomposed leaves as natural fertilizer 🌿. Community members also show entrepreneurial initiative with ideas for local vegetable businesses, and a strong value for cultural traditions like Holika Dahan. These insights point towards a desire for balanced development and a return to practices that enhance well-being and environmental health 💡.
“In the month of Fagun, when the Sammat (sacred pole) was established, the Baiga people erected the Sammat. After 10 days, Holika Dahan took place, and after that, Fagua songs were sung with great enthusiasm.”
“We have seen the damage happening in the forest, impacting all its animals, birds, trees, and plants.”
“There is no dam in our village here. If a dam becomes strong, the village will be full of greenery. If there is water, there is life.”
“We enjoy the lush greenery of trees and plants in the forest. We get pure air from them.”
“A shop was rented for 20,000 rupees, and then with that same money, we can plant eggplant, chili, and cauliflower. We will go to the market to earn some money.”
“Grain used to grow without fertilizer. Use cow dung for farming in the fields; that's where paddy, maize, and all crops grow. Eating all that grain keeps the body strong and vital. Nowadays, even though there is more crop yield, the body becomes weak.”
“We get a lot of happiness from trees and plants. We get a lot of joy. Because we get air from the bridge.”
“Decomposed grass and leaves in forest rivers and streams are the most available forest fertilizer.”
“Shakeela can establish a Pasi shop and handle the vegetable business for ₹20,000.”
“The Holika pyre was prepared. After going to the Baiga, wood was gathered and cut. Then, after 10 days, it was burned, and after that, there was much celebration.”
“In earlier marriages, 'mudbaja' (traditional music) was played, and the bride went in a palanquin. In today's weddings, the bride travels in a car, and DJ, band, and orchestra music is played. Earlier, wedding guests were offered jaggery water, whereas nowadays, sweets like rasgulla, chena, and barfi are offered. In olden weddings, food was prepared using coarse grains like millet and corn to make dishes like litti and rice. But today, rice is made from paddy.”
“We have seen the damage caused to those living in the forest. We have seen the damage caused to animals, birds, and plants living in the forest.”
“Previously, crops would grow without fertilizer. Cow dung was spread in the fields, and then grains were sown, resulting in excellent crops. But now, it seems to grow better with urea.”
